- Student Rights and Responsibilities
- As a student at Le Moyne College, you have the right to:
- Meet with the Office of Community Standards to discuss the student conduct process.
- Respond to the alleged violations against them and to rebut unfavorable inferences that might be drawn.
- Identify information and witnesses who may have direct, personal knowledge of the incident or conduct in question.
- Review materials and evidence upon which the charges are based.
- A procedural advisor, provided by the Office of Community Standards.
- Choose not to attend a hearing. In such cases, the hearing will proceed in the student’s absence, and a decision will be made on the available information.
- Request a hearing be delayed or rescheduled.
- Decline to appear as a witness or to request anonymity, understanding that this may impact the availability of sufficient evidence to proceed with the case.
- Be notified of the outcome of the hearing and any applicable sanctions.
- Appeal, as provided in the section entitled “Appeals” in the Student Code of Conduct.
- Request reasonable accommodations to ensure meaningful participation in the student conduct process.
- As a student at Le Moyne College, you have the following responsibilities in the student conduct process.
- To participate truthfully and in good faith throughout the process.
- To not influence others to share inaccurate information.
- To appear and communicate on your own behalf throughout the process.
- To read all communications and respond when appropriate.
- To utilize the information in this Code and from the Office of Community Standards to prepare for your participation in the conduct process.
- To contact your Hearing Officer or the Office of Community Standards with questions or concerns in advance of any meetings.
- To not harass or retaliate against reporters or others involved in the incident in question.
- To treat those managing your case with civility.
- To maintain privacy, by not using any audio or video recording devices during any point in the conduct process.
- Jurisdiction
- Who does the Code apply to?
- All Le Moyne College students
- For the purposes of Le Moyne College policies and procedures, a student is any individual who has accepted an offer of admission to the College through deposit or participating in a pre-arrival activity or who is enrolled, registered for, auditing, or taking credit-bearing or non-credit bearing courses or educational programs offered by the College, whether full-time or part-time, undergraduate, graduate, professional, certificate, or non-degree seeking, and whether participating in person, remotely, or through an approved off-campus or study abroad program (See Appendix C).
- What is covered under the Code?
- All of the Community Standards listed in the section below.
- Typically, violations of the academic or professional standards of an academic school, department, or program are not resolved through this Code. The College reserves the right to invoke this Code, however, in addition to or in lieu of other proceedings if charges of violations of those standards also may violate this Code.
- When does the Code apply to a member of our student community?
- The College retains jurisdiction over alleged violations of the Code that occur during a student’s matriculation or attendance at the College. If a current student is not enrolled at the College and has a pending disciplinary matter, an administrative hold will be placed upon the student’s account until the matter can be resolved prior to or immediately upon the student’s return.
- Students may be accountable both to civil authorities and to the College for acts that constitute violations of law and this Code. The Student Conduct process at the College may proceed while criminal or civil proceedings are pending and will not be subject to challenge on the grounds that criminal charges or a civil case involving the same incident have been dismissed, reduced, or not yet adjudicated. The College reserves the right to refer matters to federal, state, and local authorities or to suspend a student pending the outcome of a criminal charge.
- When visiting or participating in any activities or programs at other colleges or universities, students are expected to abide by the behavioral standards of this Code and the policies and rules of those institutions. Violations of policies or rules on other campuses or violations of local laws while on other campuses will fall under the jurisdiction of this Code. This provision is equally applicable to international campuses for students studying abroad.
- Where does the Code apply?
- College premises;
- At College-related programs or activities;
- Through College-related online or virtual programs or activities (i.e. Canvas, Discord, or other College programs);
- Off-campus conduct may also subject a student to disciplinary or other administrative action when, in the judgment of the College, the alleged conduct violates the Code. Le Moyne College expects all ‘Phins to represent the College positively at all times, both on and off campus.
- Le Moyne College is located within an urban environment and surrounded by residential neighborhoods. The College expects students to behave as exemplary citizens when present in the surrounding neighborhoods and to demonstrate respect for all members of the local community.
- Confiscation of Prohibited Items
- The College has the right to enter a student residential spaces to make inspections, perform repairs and maintenance, investigate suspected violations of College policy or applicable law, to perform health and safety inspections, and/or do all other things necessary and advisable in the interest of health, safety and the efficient conduct of its residence facilities system.
- Prior notice of entry is not required.
- Items contained during entry will be removed and will not be returned.
- Student Amnesty for Help-Seeking Behavior
- Le Moyne College encourages all community members to care for themselves and others. Therefore, when a student initiates help from a campus or community resource, involved students or organizations will generally not be subject to the College’s Community Standards if the following occurs:
- The student(s) call for help to 911, Campus Security, an identified Campus Security Authority (including trip or event chaperones), Campus Life Staff, or a Student Development Administrator.
- The student(s) remain on scene with the student getting help.
- The student(s) are helpful to responders, including providing any information they may have regarding the student’s consumption of alcohol/drugs or other relevant information.
- Amnesty applies to both the student who received help as well as the caller(s).
- Students involved in the incident with alleged violations will still be subject to participating in the conduct process via an educational conference.
- Students may be required to complete educational interventions designed to assist them in their decision-making process and/or the outcomes of their decisions, meet with the Wellness Center (or other campus partners), and the College can alert the emergency contact. The College retains the right to hold individuals and organizations accountable when the health and safety of community members is at risk.
- Student Conduct Process
The student conduct process is intended to support the mission and values of the institution while fostering a safe, respectful, and engaged campus community. At its core, the process is educational in nature and grounded in the belief that students are capable of growth, reflection, accountability, and restoration.
The Community Standards and related procedures exist not only to address alleged violations, but also to help students better understand the impact of their choices on themselves and others within the community.The conduct process is administered by trained College staff members who work with students to resolve concerns in a manner that reflects the institution’s Catholic and Jesuit values, including cura personalis, respect for human dignity, and responsibility to the broader community. Through conversations, reflection, and appropriate accountability measures, the process seeks to balance individual development with the well-being and safety of the campus community.
When a student is alleged to have violated a Community Standard, the College utilizes a prompt, equitable, and educational process designed to support learning and community responsibility. Outcomes and sanctions, when assigned, are intended to be developmental rather than purely punitive and may include opportunities for reflection, education, restoration, and skill-building.
- Resolution Pathways
- Overview
The student conduct process is grounded in a community-based and educational approach that emphasizes accountability, reflection, and the repair of harm when possible. Consistent with the College’s mission and values, the process encourages students to understand the impact of their actions, take responsibility for their decisions, and actively contribute to restoring trust and relationships within the community.
Community Standards apply to all students and are intended to support a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus environment. When concerns regarding potential violations are reported, the College follows the conduct procedures outlined in this Code to determine whether a student has violated a Community Standard and, if so, what educational or restorative actions may be appropriate.
Reported violations of the Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct policy will follow the procedures described within that policy.
- Notification
The responding party will normally be notified by the Hearing Officer at least two (2) business days prior to the conduct meeting, unless waived by the student, the violation is egregious and requires a more immediate response, or the student will be participating in a Community Standards Board Hearing. The Chairperson will notify the student of a Community Standards Board Hearing at least five (5) business days prior to the hearing. Included in the notification will be the date, time, location, and nature of the meeting, including a description of the specific expectations outlined in the Community Standards that the student allegedly violated. All communications to the student may be verbal, but subsequently be confirmed in writing.
The written meeting notification will be sent to the student’s Le Moyne College email account in most cases, but may also be delivered in-person or by certified mail. Students are expected to check their email on a frequent and consistent basis as outlined in the Computer Use Policy.
The meeting notification will include a link to the College website where the student may access information describing the student conduct process. Also included in the notification will be information about which resolution pathway will be utilized.
- Procedural Advisors
The Community Standards process is an educational and administrative process designed to promote student learning, accountability, and personal development. Because the process is not a legal proceeding, students are expected to participate directly in resolving concerns regarding their own conduct.
To support students throughout the process, the Office of Community Standards provides access to a Procedural Advisor. A Procedural Advisor is a trained College employee who assists students in understanding the Community Standards conduct process, preparing for meetings or hearings, and navigating procedural questions. Procedural Advisors may help students understand applicable policies, review the conduct process, and discuss what to expect during meetings or hearings. However, Procedural Advisors do not serve as advocates, representatives, or decision-makers, nor may they speak on behalf of a student during any Community Standards proceeding or communications.
Students may not be represented by attorneys, parents, guardians, family members, or other third parties during Community Standards meetings, hearings, mediations, interviews, appeals, or communications. These individuals may not attend proceedings or communicate on a student’s behalf in a representative or advocacy capacity unless otherwise required by law or expressly permitted under a separate College policy.
Students remain responsible for participating in the conduct process, responding to communications from the Office of Community Standards, and presenting their own information throughout the resolution process.
- Resolution Pathways
The Director of Community Standards or designee will assign incidents to be resolved to the appropriate individual(s) based on the pathway being used to address the incident. Descriptions of the resolution pathways are listed below. The severity, complexity, and the timing of the incident are factors considered in selecting a pathway. Additionally, the pathway may change based on new information, and changes to the pathway will be made at the discretion of the Office of Community Standards. More than one pathway may be used to resolve an incident, and where two or more incidents involving common occurrences or the same student(s) are pending simultaneously, the student may be met with about multiple incidents in the same meeting or they may be heard separately at the discretion of the Office of Community Standards.
- Informal Meeting
An informal meeting may be used when a concern does not involve a violation of the Code of Conduct, but impacted the community in a significant way. Informal meetings are voluntary, educational, and restorative actions may be assigned to further the student’s learning. Restorative actions assigned during an informal meeting will be voluntary, but will be documented by the Office of Community Standards.
- Letter of Warning
A letter of concern serves as a warning issued by the College for minor violations of expectations where a reminder of policy may be needed. No response is required from the student unless otherwise indicated in the letter.
- Administrative Hearing
An administrative hearing is conducted by one or two Hearing Officers. The Hearing officer(s) will review the incident with the student, work with the student to determine responsibility, and develop ways to repair harm. While the Hearing Officer(s) will work with the student to make a determination, the Hearing Officer(s) will make final determinations regarding responsibility based on a preponderance of the evidence, meaning that the violations were more likely than not to have occurred.
- Board Hearing
A board hearing is reserved for high-level conduct matters, or where outcomes may include, but are not limited to, removal from College housing, suspension, or dismissal from the College. The hearing board consists of one student representative and two employee representatives trained in student conduct procedures. The Director of Community Standards coordinates the hearing and provides administrative support, but does not vote.
Board hearings are structured processes where both the reporting party (if applicable) and the responding student may present information, offer witnesses, and have their perspectives heard. The Board makes a recommendation of responsibility based on a preponderance of the evidence, and makes a recommendation for appropriate sanctions if applicable to the Director of Community Standards or their designee, who makes the final determination.
- Formal Mediation
Formal mediation may be assigned in cases involving a conflict between individuals in an attempt to resolve such matters outside of the traditional hearing setting. Mediation sessions result in a written agreement between the parties involved. The parties are subject to further disciplinary action for failure to comply. Students will be referred to the Director of Community Standards if a mutual settlement cannot be reached.
- Sanctioning Guidelines
- Purpose and Philosophy
The Office of Community Standards is committed to fostering an educational and developmental environment that supports students in becoming responsible, ethical members of the campus community. Our approach to student conduct is holistic, taking into account not just the policy violation, but the individual circumstances surrounding each case. This includes the student’s intent and impact on the community, behavior during the conduct process, and overall conduct history.
- Educational and reflective sanctions include, but are not limited to:
- Reflective essays or journaling
- Workshops (i.e. alcohol education, conflict resolution)
- Research papers on community standards or related topics
- Meeting with faculty or staff mentors
- Assigned readings with discussion
- Restorative or community-based sanctions include, but are not limited to:
- Apology letters
- Community service
- Restitution (when applicable)
- Participation in restorative circles or dialogues
- Developmental or supportive sanctions include, but are not limited to:
- Referral to counseling or wellness services
- Substance use assessments
- Educational plans or goal setting
- Punitive sanctions include, but are not limited to:
- Disciplinary probation
- Loss of privileges (i.e. leadership roles, housing, campus events/activities)
- No-contact orders
- Suspension or dismissal (reserved for serious or repeat offenses)
- Conduct History and Progressive Sanctioning
Sanctioning takes into account the student’s full conduct history, not just the number of times they have violated a specific policy. For example, a student found responsible for an alcohol policy violation may receive educational sanctions. If they are later found responsible for disorderly conduct, the prior alcohol violation may be considered as a broader behavioral pattern. If a student has multiple unrelated violations, progressive sanctions may be applied, even if it’s their first offense of a particular policy.
- Incomplete Sanctions
Sanctions are intended to support accountability, reflection, and growth. Students are expected to complete all assigned sanctions by the designated deadlines. If a student does not complete a sanction or does not communicate about barriers to completion, the College may take additional action to address the unresolved matter and support accountability within the community, including but not limited to, placing an administrative hold on the student’s account.
- Appeals
The appeal process exists to help ensure fairness, consistency, and integrity within the Community Standards process. An appeal is not intended to serve as a new hearing or a rehearing of the original matter. The College recognizes that conduct matters can significantly affect students and the broader community. As such, appeals are reviewed carefully and with respect for both individual circumstances and community wellbeing.
- Who May Appeal
A student found responsible for a violation of the Community Standards may submit an appeal of the outcome or sanction, subject to the grounds described below. In matters involving multiple students, each student is responsible for submitting their own appeal. In cases involving allegations under separate policies, including the Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct policy, appeal procedures will follow the processes outlined within those respective policies.
- Grounds for Appeal
Appeals must be based on one or more of the following grounds:
- Significant Procedural Error
A substantial deviation from established conduct procedures occurred, and the error materially affected the outcome of the matter.
- New Information
New information has become available that was not reasonably available at the time of the original meeting or hearing and could materially affect the outcome.
- Severity of Sanction
The sanction imposed was clearly disproportionate to the nature of the violation and the circumstances of the case.
- Filing an Appeal
To initiate an appeal, the student must submit a written appeal within five (5) business days of receiving the written outcome notice, unless otherwise specified. A link to the appeal form will be provided in the outcome notice. All appeal submissions must include:
- The specific ground(s) for appeal
- A clear explanation supporting the appeal
- Any relevant supporting documentation or information
Appeals submitted after the deadline, or appeals that do not identify valid grounds, may be denied without further review.
- Appeal Review Process
Appeals are reviewed by an Appeal Officer or designated institutional official who was not directly involved in the original resolution of the matter. The following are considered during the review:
- The written appeal
- The original case documentation
- Relevant supporting materials
- Any additional information deemed necessary to resolve the appeal
The Appeal Officer may, at their discretion, consult with involved parties, Conduct Administrators, or hearing participants as part of the review.
- Possible Appeal Outcomes
After reviewing the appeal, the Appeal Officer may take one or more of the following actions:
- Affirm the original finding and/or sanction
- Modify the sanction or outcome
- Remand the matter for additional review, investigation, or a new hearing
- Reverse the original finding if the appeal grounds warrant such action
The Appeal Officer’s decision is final.
- Finality & Status During Appeal
Unless otherwise determined by the College, sanctions and outcomes remain in effect while an appeal is pending. In matters involving health, safety, or community wellbeing, interim measures or restrictions may remain active throughout the appeal process. Decisions issued through the appeal process are final and conclude the Community Standards matter.
- Investigations
In some situations, the Office of Community Standards may determine that a formal investigation is necessary to fully understand the nature, context, and circumstances of a reported incident. An investigation is a fact-gathering process designed to collect relevant information so the College can determine whether a potential violation of the Community Standards has occurred and, if so, what resolution process is most appropriate. Investigations are not intended to be adversarial or punitive in nature. Rather, they support a fair, thorough, and impartial review of available information while honoring the dignity of all individuals involved.
- Initiation of an Investigation
A formal investigation may be initiated when the College determines additional information is needed to adequately assess a report. This may occur in situations including, but not limited to:
- Material facts are disputed or unclear
- Multiple individuals or witnesses are involved
- The report involves complex or serious allegations
- Additional evidence is needed to assess whether a policy may have occurred
- The reported behavior may present ongoing risk to an individual or the broader community
Not all reports require a formal investigation. In some cases, available information may be sufficient to resolve the matter through another resolution pathway.
- Investigation Procedures
As part of an investigation, a Conduct Administrator or designated investigator may gather and review relevant information from a variety of sources. This may include, but is not limited to:
- Interviews or meetings with involved parties or witnesses
- Written statements
- Photographs or videos
- Electronic communications, including text messages, emails, or social media content
- Access records, security footage, or other institutional records
- Information provided by campus partners or external agencies, when appropriate
The scope and duration of an investigation will vary depending on the complexity of the matter, availability of information, and the needs of those involved.
- Student Rights and Expectations
Students involved in an investigation will generally receive notice of the reported concerns and be provided an opportunity to respond, share information, and participate meaningfully in the process. Students participating in an investigation are expected to engage honestly and respectfully. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Responding to College communications in a timely manner
- Providing truthful and complete information to the best of their ability
- Preserving relevant evidence or information
- Refraining from actions that may interfere with the integrity of the process
Retaliation, intimidation, coercion, knowingly providing false information, or attempts to improperly influence the investigation may constitute separate violations of the Community Standards. Students may bring an advisor or support person to meetings, consistent with College policy, permitting they do not serve in a representative capacity. Students may request reasonable accommodations at any point in the process.
- Interim and Supportive Measures
In some circumstances, the College may implement interim or supportive measures during an investigation to promote safety, reduce disruption, or support those involved. Such measures may include, but are not limited to:
- No contact orders
- Housing adjustments
- Restricted access to specific spaces or activities
- Other reasonable measures designed to support student well-being and community safety
Interim or supportive measures are not disciplinary in nature and do not indicate a finding of responsibility.
- Resolution Following an Investigation
At the conclusion of an investigation, the information gathered will be reviewed to determine the most appropriate next step. Depending on the circumstances, a matter may be resolved through one of the resolution pathways described in the Student Conduct Process, an educational or restorative practice, or no further action.
- Dangerous or Life-Threatening Behavior
A student may be subject to summary suspension, dismissal or involuntary withdrawal by the College for dangerous or life-threatening behavior, as determined on an individualized, case-by-case basis, for reasons including, but not limited to:
- Not being able to maintain their physical or psychological safety (i.e. not functioning well enough to take care of oneself in the College’s academic environment.
- Posing a danger to oneself or others.
- Engaging in legal violations regarding alcohol and drugs, violent behavior and/or violating related policies as outlined in the Code of Conduct.
- Otherwise engaging in behavior which is unduly disruptive, destructive, or dangerous.
While the College is committed to helping students alleviate whatever factors are precipitating dangerous or life-threatening behavior, such behavior is often disruptive to the academic and social/living environment of the College community. In the case of such behavior, a student may be required by the Director of Community Standards to undergo assessment by a counselor or health care professional from Le Moyne College’s Wellness Center for Health and Counseling and/or a medical or mental health professional from outside the College community of the College’s choosing. In some cases, a student also may be required to receive medical, psychological and/or substance abuse treatment or satisfy other requirements as a condition of remaining in attendance at the College. Except in unusual circumstances where safety is of immediate concern, the College will make a decision to suspend, dismiss, or involuntarily withdraw a student only after providing the student with advance notice of the decision and an opportunity to meet with the Director of Community Standards.
In unusual circumstances, where safety is of immediate concern, the Director of Community Standards may make an interim suspension, dismissal, or voluntary withdrawal decision (or impose other conditions, such as restricted campus or housing access) without first meeting with the student. In those instances, the student will be provided with notice in the interim and an opportunity to be heard by the Director of Community Standards (normally within 72 hours) before a final decision is reached. The student also should consult the College’s medical/mental health withdrawal policy, as it may also apply in certain of these situations.
In cases where the student’s alleged conduct would also be misconduct subject to adjudication through the student conduct process, the Director of Community Standards or their designee will determine whether the case, including any sanction(s) to be imposed, will be addressed pursuant to this policy or will be referred to the Student Conduct Program for adjudication in that forum.
In any particular situation, the Director of Community Standards may designate another individual to act on their behalf for the purpose of this policy. Therefore, the references in this policy to “the director” include their designee.
Students who have been involuntarily withdrawn in accordance with the Dangerous or Life-Threatening Behavior policy may appeal to the Associate Provost for Student Development within five (5) business days of the decision of the Director of Community Standards. The decision by the Associate Provost for Student Development normally will be distributed within five (5) business days to the student and all involved parties.
Upon appeal, the decision of the Associate Provost for Student Development shall be final and cannot be appealed by means of any other grievance or appeal procedures at the College.
Failure of the student to appeal within the designated time limit of five (5) business days will be deemed a withdrawal of the right to appeal.
- Medical Leave of Absence/Withdrawal from the College
For medical or psychological reasons, a student may voluntarily discontinue enrollment at the College by requesting either a medical leave of absence (temporary) or a withdrawal from the College (permanent).
A medical leave of absence is a temporary hiatus from the College with the intent to return after a specified period of time. Students requesting a medical leave of absence must indicate when they plan to return to their studies. The total time away from the College cannot exceed two consecutive semesters. A student may not take matriculated course work at another institution while on a leave of absence. To be eligible to return from a leave of absence, the student must demonstrate their readiness to return by satisfying all requirements for return. If readmitted, the student will be subject to such conditions as may be imposed by the Associate Provost for Student Development. If a student does not return from a leave of absence at the scheduled time, the student will be administratively withdrawn from the College and must apply for readmission.
A medical withdrawal is a permanent separation from the College. A student who has withdrawn must apply for readmission to the College if he or she wishes to re-enroll.
A student may request a medical leave of absence or a withdrawal by completing the Voluntary Medical Leave of Absence/Withdrawal request form available through the Office of Student Development or Registrar. A student requesting a medical leave of absence or withdrawal will meet with College administrators to discuss the academic and financial implications of their decision. If a student wants to leave or withdraw before the end of the current semester, the request form must be submitted by the last day to withdraw from courses with a “W” grade, as specified in the Academic Calendar. Such requests will be granted if the student has a legitimate medical reason and they are not already liable for academic disqualification for poor scholarship or liable for suspension for misconduct. Failure to submit the medical leave of absence/withdraw form in a timely fashion may result in a student’s request being denied.
If the request for a medical leave of absence/withdrawal is approved for the current semester, the student must leave campus within 24 hours and be absent from campus unless he or she is otherwise expressly allowed by the Associate Provost for Student Development. The student will receive grades of “W” in all enrolled courses and will have a hold on failure registration until the conditions of the return have been met.
If the request for a medical leave of absence/withdrawal is approved for a future semester, then the student may remain enrolled in and receive grades for their current classes. The student will have a hold on future registration until the conditions have been met. While on medical leave of absence/withdrawal, the student must be absent from campus, unless access is otherwise expressly allowed by the Associate Provost for Student Development.
The College may require a student to take a medical leave of absence or withdrawal (or impose other appropriate restrictions, e.g., restricted campus or housing access) if, in the judgement of the Associate Provost for Student Development, the student:
- Poses an imminent threat to the lives, safety or well-being of themself or other members of the College community (including a threat which results from the fact that the student cannot be properly treated in the College setting), or
- Has evidenced a medical or psychological condition or behavior that seriously interferes with the student’s ability to function in the College setting (thereby rendering the student unfit to continue in the program) and/or seriously interferes with the educational pursuits of other members of the College community.
Except in unusual circumstances where safety is of immediate concern, the College will make a decision to involuntarily withdraw a student only after providing the student with advance notice and an opportunity to meet with the Associate Provost for Student Development. In unusual circumstances, the Associate Provost for Student Development may make an interim withdrawal decision (or impose other conditions, e.g., restricted campus or housing access) without first meeting with the student. In those instances, the student will be provided with notice in the interim and will be provided with an opportunity to be heard by the Associate Provost for Student Development (normally within 72 hours) before a final decision is reached. A part of the assessment, a student may be required to undergo evaluation by either a counselor or health care provider from the Le Moyne College Wellness Center for Health and Counseling, and/or a medical or mental health professional from outside the College community of the College’s choosing. This process will also apply to those instances where the student is not withdrawn entirely from the College but where the College imposes restrictions on the student’s campus participation (e.g., restricted camps or housing access).
A student remains subject to the College’s regular conduct system for acts of misconduct despite the applicability of this policy and process.
A student who feels aggrieved by a final decision which involuntarily withdraws the student or which refuses the student’s request for a voluntary withdrawal may file a grievance with the College’s Section 504 Coordinator under the College’s Section 504/ADA grievance procedure.
In any particular situation, the Associate Provost for Student Development may designate another individual to act on their behalf for the purpose of this policy. Therefore, the references in this policy to the Associate Provost for Student Development include his/her designee.
In cases of both medical leaves of absence and withdrawals, the tuition refund policies specified in the Le Moyne College Catalog apply.